Nationals extend Bryce Harper through 2018 season

The Washington Nationals made sure they wouldn’t be in for an expensive arbitration hearing with star outfielder Bryce Harper next winter.

The team announced on Saturday that it has come to terms with Harper on a one-year contract extension that will pay him $21.7 million. That figure represents the largest salary for a player that would have been arbitration eligible.

More than anything, this gives both the Nationals and Harper more time to come to terms on a long-term deal. A contract north of $300 million had been bandied about in the past.

Harper, the former NL MVP, is hitting an absurd .372 with 10 homers, 29 RBI and a .496 on-base percentage thus far this season. He is surely earning that nice little raise.